“We spent so many years focused on appearances,” she admitted quietly while Philip helped Alice organize her souvenirs upstairs.

“The right address, the right schools, the right social connections.

Somewhere along the way, we completely lost track of what actually made us happy.”

“It’s an easy trap,” I offered, my tone softening, “especially when everyone around you seems to be chasing the same things.”

“The surprising thing is,” she continued, arranging simple ceramic plates on the kitchen island, “I don’t miss any of it as much as I thought I would.

The country club was always more stressful than enjoyable.